Video Conferencing Connects Families with Loved Ones in Long-term Care

Keeping loved ones connected is critically important as long-term care and seniors’ homes are restricting visitations to protect residents from illness. With this in mind, The Salvation Army’s Ottawa Grace Manor long-term care home is bringing residents together with their families and loved ones through video conferencing.

“My uncle was visiting with my grandmother in a retirement residence prior to the full restrictions on visitation and recorded a short video of their time together,” says Glenn van Gulik, The Salvation Army’s area director for public relations. “It made me wonder about what options existed for other families who have loved ones living in long-term care or retirement residences. With the full restriction on visitation, there could be thousands of long-term care residents in Ottawa who may not be able to have a visual connection with family and friends.”

Glenn shared the idea with Ottawa Grace Manor Director, Cameron McCallum.

“The video calls keep families and residents, who may be feeling isolated, more engaged and it gives them something to look forward to during these difficult times”

“Cameron jumped on the idea right away to make this initiative possible,” says Glenn. “He saw so much potential that our communications team started working on the solution right away.”

Ottawa Grace Manor now has five Apple iPads that allow residents to connect with their loved ones virtually using Whereby.com, video conferencing solution. Each wing of Grace Manor will have an iPad that can be used in a private online “virtual room” so that residents and assisting staff have quiet, undisturbed space for calls.

“It’s another way that The Salvation Army is bringing the best care possible to our residents,” says Cameron. “The video calls keep families and residents, who may be feeling isolated, more engaged and it gives them something to look forward to during these difficult times.”

“In these extraordinary times, we need unique solutions and I think The Salvation Army is achieving that”

In the first couple of weeks, families of residents shared how excited they were to have this new way to connect. Barbara, who’s elderly mother is a resident of Grace Manor shared:

“I’m on top of the world!! The link worked great, and the video visit was amazing!!! Mom couldn’t speak but I could tell she was aware and trying to respond. I’m so grateful for that opportunity to connect with her. Million thanks!!!!”

 The Salvation Army is working to expand the initiative to other long-term care homes in the province.

“Every day at Grace Manor, we are not only providing for physical needs of our residents but also caring for their emotional and spiritual well being,” says Cameron. “In these extraordinary times, we need unique solutions and I think The Salvation Army is achieving that.”

To support the work of The Salvation Army please visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Caroline Franks